China Travel Forum

[Donald]

Was wondering if anyone could offer advice on vaccinations. I am going to China in February where i will be teaching for 6 months in Suzhou .
I have been advised by my local travel clinic to get malaria tablets in China before my onward travels. How easy is it to get malaria tablets in China and are they cheap.
I have a one way ticket to Shanghai and plan travel onto Australia after my placement finishes. Has anyone got any advice on getting cheap tickets I'm pretty flexible in the route but don't have loads of money to buy loads of flights. I've heard Hong Kong is cheap to buy tickets as is Singapore for flight to Australia. Help???

[Marian]

Malaria medication is available in China (and would be available in Suzhou), however, remember that some medications are copied and sold through some retailers and the real thing (or a generic substitute). Viagra is one example of this and some of the copies work as well as a placebos. I'd probably tend towards taking medication from home, rather than try to get the same in China (to make sure you have the right stuff). Ask a chemist in your home town about the best before date for the medications and the best way to store it to maximise its life.
Vaccinations in China.....some vaccinations can take some time to get a response from your immune system. Until there is a response, your body will not have adequate defence to ward off any foreign agents (also some require follow up blood test to make sure that there are antibodies present). Best to get it before you go to make sure that you are covered on day one of your trip. Also, the amount of money you are likely to spend on vaccinations is insignificant to the total cost of the trip (if you can't afford the vaccinations and likewise medical insurance, you probably can't afford to travel). Also remember that a vaccination it is a bit like an insurance policy that may last forever (most vaccinations have long coverage time and will probably cover you on your next overseas trip)
Since you are teaching, it is likely that the teaching institution will require you to get the medical for the residency visa in China (even if you get the medical before you leave home). The PSB generally does not believe medical certificates from a foreign country (particularly since they are not written in Chinese). The tests are basic, however do require a blood test. You will find the experience the same as that in your home country. Also, you will hear from firends etc that the Chinese reuse disposable needles, this is a myth. This is one way you can save some money.
#1 and the Chinese hospitals can be a mixed bag, but from my wifes experience, she got better service and said the local hospital was as clean as any she has seen elsewhere.
travelling - suggest go to Thailand overland, then get tickets from there.